John Senden has the best swing on tour. He is sufficiently long and accurate.

Looking at the list, I can conclude that a middle of the pack guys on tour can send the ball to the green like the top ranked players in the world. So why guys like Sende and Bo Van Pelt not winning as many tournaments?

Another point is the frequent winners are on the top 30: Kuchar, Rory, Snedeker, Bradley, Johnson, Mahan, Westwood etc. So definitely ball striking is a "necessary" conditions to compete on pro tour, but not "sufficient" to be successful

Look a the 25th-50th percentile in ball striking. Do you see anyone in contention on Sundays the past few tournaments?

I'm so happy Hunter Mahan (the swing I learn the most from) is right up there!!!

Over the years I've heard experts say .. If only Senden could put, he'd be world #1! This year, he's ranked #146 in strokes gained putting ...

Rory is #2 in putting , and #1 in the world!

So ... why is putting (and short game) more important , or decisive, compared to ball striking ...

The website shows PGA pros make approx 2 out of 3 puts from 6ft, and 1 out of 3 of putts from 10ft ... and obviously their make% gets lower and lower as you go further away from the hole ...

The point being ... that high GIR doesn't account for too much ... whats more important is distance from the pin ... you can hit a GIR from 200 yards away to 20 feet ... brilliant shot .. however the make % is really low ... just one for the highlight reel ... the other player misses the green , chips it to the hole , ALSO makes par!

Whats more important is getting within 6ft from 100 yards in ... chipping/ pitching to 2-3 feet (where the make % is close to 100) and making the putts.

Luke Donald was putting and chipping/ pitching phenomenally well last year and became #1, Rory this year , Tiger at his peak .. same thing .. Jack wasn't the best ball striker ever either!

I've started practicing my short game at the MBGC practice facility since the past couple of weeks ... and have (pleasantly) been surprised by the following:

1.) Chipping/ pitching is NOT that difficult, its actually quite easy when compared to the long game! Apologies to Duval for calling his forte easy, and for thinking one doesn't have to be a professional athlete to do it really well!

2.) It makes Golf even more fun! My scores are better. There is less pressure on my approach shots. A chip-in is a great feeling. Pitching the ball close to the hole, and having your opponent pick up the ball for you is immensely satisfying. We see fewer 8-10 foot putts that we all miss, yet for some strange reason, always get pissed off about!

3.) The short game is considered by most as a par-saving activity, and it is to a large extent. However, it is also a great offensive weapon. You will make more birdies!

Ya , whether your GIR shot leaves you with a 15ft or 25ft putt or even just off the green may make interesting reading, it has little impact on your score .... as all three players will make par on most occasions, and the make % is not significant from such distances.

The key distance for GIR is inside 10 feet ... especially 6 feet and in ... and that usually happens from inside 100 yards (the scoring zone).

Moral of the story: rest your longer clubs , and wear out your wedges and putter!!!

Thank you Dave Pelz for changing my approach to the game, for the better!

I'm so happy Hunter Mahan (the swing I learn the most from) is right up there!!!

Over the years I've heard experts say .. If only Senden could put, he'd be world #1! This year, he's ranked #146 in strokes gained putting ...

Rory is #2 in putting , and #1 in the world!

So ... why is putting (and short game) more important , or decisive, compared to ball striking ...

The website shows PGA pros make approx 2 out of 3 puts from 6ft, and 1 out of 3 of putts from 10ft ... and obviously their make% gets lower and lower as you go further away from the hole ...

The point being ... that high GIR doesn't account for too much ... whats more important is distance from the pin ... you can hit a GIR from 200 yards away to 20 feet ... brilliant shot .. however the make % is really low ... just one for the highlight reel ... the other player misses the green , chips it to the hole , ALSO makes par!

Whats more important is getting within 6ft from 100 yards in ... chipping/ pitching to 2-3 feet (where the make % is close to 100) and making the putts.

Luke Donald was putting and chipping/ pitching phenomenally well last year and became #1, Rory this year , Tiger at his peak .. same thing .. Jack wasn't the best ball striker ever either!